GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P043E: Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Reference Orifice Flow Insufficient

DTC P043F:  Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Reference Orifice Flow Excessive

Diagnostic Fault Information

Component

Cause

DTCs

EVAP Vent Solenoid Valve

Always ON

P043E, P043F, P2401, P2402, P2419

EVAP Vacuum Leak Pump

    • Always ON
    • Always OFF

P043E, P043F, P2401, P2402, P2419

EVAP Canister Assembly

0.02 Inch Reference Orifice Blocked or Restricted

P043E, P043F, P2401, P2402, P2419

0.02 Inch Reference Orifice High Flow

P043E, P043F

Circuit/System Description

The diagnostic strategy for the evaporative emission (EVAP) system uses a vacuum pump to test for system leaks, after the engine is OFF. A unique fuel tank, EVAP canister, and EVAP vacuum leak pump work together to provide enhanced system diagnosis. The vacuum leak pump, the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor and the EVAP canister vent valve are all integral parts of one assembly. The assembly is attached directly to the EVAP canister, located near the fuel tank.

After the vehicle has sat with the engine OFF for greater than 5 hours and the engine coolant temperature is less than 35°C (95°F), a comprehensive diagnostic is enabled. The complete diagnostic test can take up to 15 minutes to run, with leak detection comprising the largest portion of the test.

The following table illustrates the relationship between the ON and OFF states, and the OPEN or CLOSED states of the EVAP canister purge and vent valves.

Control Module Command

EVAP Canister Purge Valve

EVAP Canister Vent Valve

ON

Open

Closed

OFF

Closed

Open

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTC P0110, P0112, P0113, P0115, P0117, P0118, P0450, P0451, P0452, P0453, P2610 are not set.
    • Five hours have elapsed after the engine was turned OFF.
    • Atmospheric pressure is between 70-110 kPa.
    • Battery voltage is greater than 10.5 volts.
    • Engine coolant temperature is between 4-35°C (40-95°F).
    • Intake air temperature is between 4-35°C (40-95°F).
    • The ignition remains OFF for the duration of the test.
    • The DTCs run once per drive cycle when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P043E

The powertrain control module (PCM) has determined the reference orifice of the EVAP vacuum leak detection pump is blocked or restricted.

P043F

The PCM has determined there is too much flow through the reference orifice of the EVAP vacuum leak detection pump.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P043E and P043F are Type B DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P043E and P043F are Type B DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

Low fuel levels in the fuel tank can affect the accuracy of the Service Bay Test. Fill the fuel tank to between one half and three quarters and retest.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Evaporative Emissions Hose Routing Diagram

Description and Operation

Evaporative Emission Control System Description

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

With Service Bay Test

  1. Verify the EVAP system using the EVAP Service Bay Test, refer to Service Bay Test. DTC P043E or P043F should not set.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Without Service Bay Test

  1. Verify the EVAP system components and hoses are correctly routed and securely connected.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Observe the DTC information with a scan tool. Verify that DTC P2401, P2402, or P2419 are not set.
  2. If any of the DTCs are set, diagnose first. Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle.
  3. Test for a blockage or restriction in the EVAP fliter hose.
If the filter passages test normal, replace the EVAP vacuum pump assembly.

Repair Instructions

    •  Evaporative Emission Canister Filter Replacement
    •  Evaporative Emission System Vacuum Leak Pump Replacement

Repair Verification

With Service Bay Test

Verify the EVAP system repair using the EVAP Service Bay Test. Refer to Service Bay Test.

Without Service Bay Test

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.